Qualifying for CFR goal for entire rodeo season

Cowboys who make it to the Finals are only ones who make money

Steer wrestler Travis Reay is the all-round Canadian Professional Rodeo Association season leader. He will compete in Canadian Finals Rodeo, which runs from Nov. 6-10 at Rexall Place.

Photograph by: Bruce Edwards
, Edmonton Journal

EDMONTON - For rodeo cowboys like Mayerthorpe’s Travis Reay, the upcoming 40th annual Canadian Finals Rodeo is what it’s all about.

“This is where you make your money,” Reay said at Thursday’s media conference at Rexall Place to kick off the Nov. 6-10 CFR, which offers $1.47 million in prize money.

“The rest of the summer you are just trying to break even,” he continued. “You can have a really good summer and still not make any money.

“If you don’t make it here, then that year was pretty much a writeoff; you are pretty much in the hole.”

Only the top 12 contestants from money won at Canadian rodeos in bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, team roping and bull riding qualify for the CFR.

“You spend whatever you make just trying to get to the CFR. It costs a lot to go down the road. Entry fees, accommodations, food and especially the crazy cost of fuel these days eat it all up.

“Everybody who rodeos in Canada and didn’t make it into the CFR wishes they were in my boots. That’s the goal for the entire year. You want to make it here because this is where it pays off.”

Reay, a steer wrestler who also competes a bit in saddle bronc, knows all about both sides of the elusive coin.

In both 2009 and 2010, he missed qualifying by less than $1,000. Two years ago, he missed by just $200.

“Heart-breaking,” he said. “I was just one steer away from making the Finals three years in a row.”

The 2011 season was easily the most frustrating. Reay was entered in the final regular-season rodeo at Hanna. Win or even place high enough, and he was in. Instead, he not only didn’t win any money, he tore his right bicep.

Last year, for the first time, Reay — just as he has done again this year — finally made it.

“It was so cool. I worked my whole life to get here and I had done it,” he said. “It was a dream come true.”

It was also nerve-racking.

“I usually don’t get nervous about anything, but last year I stood in the timed event box and I had butterflies in my belly,” he said. “I didn’t think I was nervous, but all my friends who watched it told me I was whiter than a ghost. They told me I had to breathe.”

As well as qualifying in steer wrestling with earnings of $19,216, Reay is also the season-leader for the all-around title, which is only open to cowboys who place in at least three rodeos in both timed and rough stock events.

“Unlike last year, I’ve got expectations,” said Reay, who trails season-leader Cody Cassidy by $5,621. “I’m coming into the steer wrestling in fourth place and not very far from first.”

Money won at the CFR is added to the regular-season earnings to determine the Canadian rodeo champions.

“My goal is to be the Canadian champion steer wrestler and, if I’m the Canadian champion steer wrestler, there’s a good chance I’ll also be the all-around champion.”

Reay said rodeo has been his life as far back as he can remember.

“I was eight months old when I got on my first sheep. My brother, Shayne, who used to be a bull rider, ran alongside me to I wouldn’t fall off.

“My grandfather rode broncs. He was what I thought a cowboy was and that’s what I wanted to be too.”

Stock report

The CFR runs in conjunction with Farmfair International, Canada’s premier agricultural showcase and sale, which goes Nov. 3-10 at the Northlands Expo Centre.

“It’s a combination of all things agriculture, whether it be beef cattle, equipment and western culture, as well as equine events and entertainment; it is all about commerce, too,” said David Fiddler, show manager for Farmfair International.

Ticket prices for Farmfair are $5, but every CFR ticket (prices start at $23.25) include a complimentary Farmfair ticket.

New to the CFR and Farmfair are tailgate parties (food trucks, a barbecue, bar service and live entertainment) starting two hours prior to each performance.

In recognition of the 40th anniversary, Northlands is playing video tributes to past contestants and rodeo personnel.

There are six CFR performances at Rexall Place. Evening performances start at 7 p.m., with Saturday matinee and Sunday’s championship rounds beginning at 1 p.m.

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